| 171 by the providence of God; with honor to themselves and to the church: and we feel to mingle our tears with their surviving relatives. But on this occasion, we realize that we have suffered more than an ordinary bereavement, and consequently we feel the more interested. If ever there was a man who had claims on the affections of community; it was our beloved, but now desceased [deceased] patriarch-If ever there was an event calculated to raise the feelings of sorrow in the human breast and cause us to drop the sympathetic tear? it certainly is the present; for truly we can say with the King of Israel, "A Prince and a great ,has fallen in Israel." A man endeared to us by every feeling calculated to entwine around, and adhere to the human heart, by almost indisoluble [indissoluble] bonds. A man faithful to his God and to the church in every situation, and under all circumstances through which he was called to pass. Whither in prosperity, surrounded by the comforts of life, a smiling progeny, and all the enjoyments of the domestic circle; or, when called upon, like the Patriarchs of old, to leave the land of his nativity, to journey in strange lands, and become subject to all the trials and persecutions which have been heaped upon the Saints with a liberal hand, buy characters destitute of every principle of morality or religion, alike regardless of the tender offspring, and the aged sire whose silvery locks, and furrowed cheeks ought to have been a sufficient shield from their cruelty: But like the apostle Paul he could exclaim, (and his life and conduct have fully borne out the sentiment,) "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear, so that I may finish my course with joy." The principles of the gospel were too well established in that breast, and had got too sure a footing there, ever to be torn down, or prostrated by the fierce winds of porsecution [persecution], the blasts of poverty, or the swolen [swollen] waves of distres [distress] and tribulation. No, thank God, his house was built upon a rock, consequently it stood amid the contending elements, firm and unshaken.
The life of our departed Father has indeed been an eventful one, having to take a conspicuous part in the great work of the last days; being designated by the ancient prophets, who once dwelt on this continent, as the Father of him., whom the Lord had promised to raise up in the last days; to lead his people Israel; and by a uniform, consistant [consistent], and virtuous course, for a long series of years, he has proved himself worthy of such a Son, and such a family, by whom he had the happiness of being surrounded in his dying moments; most of whom had the satisfaction of receiving his dying benediction.
He was already in the wane of life, when the light of truth broke in upon the world, and with pleasure he hailed its benign and enlightening rays, and was chosen by the Almighty to be one of the witnesses to the book of Mormon. From that time his only aim was the promotion of truth, his soul was taken up with the things of the kingdom, his bowels yearned over the children of men; and it was "more than his meat and drink to do the will of his Father which was in heaven.
By unceasing industry, of himself and family, he had secured a home in the state of New York, where he, no doubt expected, with every honest and industrious citizen, to enjoy the blessings of peace and liberty. But when the principles of truth were introduced, and the gospel of Jesus Christ was promulgated by himself and family, friends forsook, enemies raged, and persecution was resorted to by wicked and ungodly men, insomuch [inasmuch]so, that he was obliged to flee from that place and seek a home in a more hospitable land.
In Ohio, he met with many kind and generous friends, and was kindly welcomed by the Saints; many of whom continue to this day, and can call to mind the various scenes which there transpired; many of which were of such a nature, not to be easily obliterated.
While the house of the Lord was building, he took great interest in its erection, and daily watched its progress, and had the pleasure of taking a part at the opening, and seeing it crowded by hundreds of pious worshipers [worshippers[. As the King of Israel longed for and desired to see the completion of the house of the Lord, so did he; and with him he could exclaim, "O Lord, I love the habitation of thine house, and the place were thine honor dwelleth." To dwell in the house of the Lord, and to enquire [inquire]
(page 171) |
